Publications

COP21 – a successful ‘end of the beginning

The Paris Agreement provides a clear signal and a solid framework for climate action. Balanced and ambitious in its objectives – including full decarbonization of the global economy before the end of the century – it has all the conditions to encourage everyone to do more.

In establishing a new international climate change regime, the Agreement focuses on the essentials: guiding countries towards low-carbon and climate resilient economies. The main challenge resides not in the direct implementation of the decisions taken in Paris, but rather in the alignment of countries’ national strategies with a decarbonization trajectory.

COP21 marks the advent of a new regime of international cooperation rather than a ‘utopian’ and politically unpalatable system to punish or coerce States to take action. It confirms the desire to engage both State and non-State actors on climate action. In this respect, it is a real victory of multilateralism.

Indeed, COP21 marks the “end of the beginning” of a long negotiations process to shift to a permanent regime, completed by regular appointments to boost ambition. This victory, however, will become historical only if this cooperation leads to enhanced action and concrete results. And this is where the hard work begins!

COP21 – a successful ‘end of the beginning Download
I4CE Contacts
Hadrien HAINAUT
Hadrien HAINAUT
Team Lead – Landscape of climate finance and energy scenarios Email
Vivian DEPOUES, PhD
Vivian DEPOUES, PhD
Research Lead – Adaptation to climate change Email
Benoît LEGUET
Benoît LEGUET
Managing Director Email
To learn more
  • 02/12/2025
    Carbon pricing Q&A

    Frequently asked questions on the development and implementation of carbon pricing policies. This work aims to provide a carefully curated companion tool for jurisdictions considering or developing a carbon pricing instrument, with questions and answers (Q&A) focused on opportunities they can bring, specific challenges and policy choices pertaining to the design and implementation of carbon taxation and emission trading systems in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDES).

  • 02/11/2025 Op-ed
    EBA’s new guidelines offer a beacon of hope amid regulatory uncertainty

    While several North American banks exit the voluntary NZBA (Net Zero Banking Alliance), European banks must bolster their climate risk frameworks. The European Banking Authority’s (EBA) recently published guidelines on ESG risk management offer a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil that currently surrounds the EU’s sustainable finance regulations. These guidelines are encouraging in both substance and form, reflecting prudential supervisors’ commitment to aligning the banking sector with the bloc’s climate and sustainability goals.

  • 02/05/2025
    Open letter: The Clean Industrial Deal must deliver a bold strategy to reinforce Europe’s Global Leadership in Cleantech and build a Competitive Net Zero Economy

    The EU Competitiveness Compass has made connecting decarbonisation and competitiveness a “strategic imperative” for Europe. This will be delivered by the all-important Clean Industrial Deal – the flagship policy package on which this new Commission hopes to upgrade Europe’s industrial base and tackle the climate crisis simultaneously.

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Press contact Amélie FRITZ Head of Communication and press relations Email
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